Disk unit

ABSTRACT

A supplementary roller is disposed on the end of a disk guiding section  71  so that the outer face  72   c  of the cylindrical shaped section  72   b  of the supplementary roller is placed on the conveying roller  73  side by the protruding section  71   a  formed on disk guiding section  71.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a disk device comprising aconveying unit for conveying a disk inserted into the chassis from adisk insertion aperture to a playing unit, conveying the disk which hasbeen conveyed by the conveying unit from the playing unit to the diskinsertion aperture and expelling the disk to the outside of the chassis.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Firstly a disk device mounted in an automobile will be outlined.FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a disk device for use in anautomobile. In FIG. 1, 1 is a disk device, 2 is a chassis disposed inthe interior of the automobile, 3 is a playing unit for rotating thedisk D and reading information recorded on the disk D, 4 is a conveyingunit which conveys a disk D inserted into the inner part of the chassisfrom the disk insertion aperture formed in the chassis to the playingunit 3, which then conveys a disk D which has been once conveyed to theplaying unit 3 from the playing unit 3 to the disk insertion apertureand which expels the disk to the outside of the chassis 2. 5 is aflexible member such as an oil damper which prevents the transmission ofautomobile vibrations to the playing unit when the disk D is beingplayed. The flexible member is provided between the lower face of thechassis 2 and the playing unit 3.

[0003] In the playing unit 3, 11 is a playing unit base storing themotor which displaces the motor or pickup which rotates the turntable.11 a is a rotation shaft of a pressure arm and is provided in theplaying unit base 11. 12 is a turntable on which the disk D is mountedand which rotates the disk D. The turntable 12 is provided in theplaying unit base 11. 13 is a pressure arm which rotates in thedirection a-b about the rotation shaft 11 a provided in the playing unitbase 11. 14 is a disk gripping body which grips the disk D on theturntable 12 by rotating the pressure arm 13 towards the turntable side12. The disk gripping body 14 is mounted on the pressure arm 13. 15 is apickup which reads the information recorded on the disk D and which isprovided on the playing unit base 11.

[0004] In the conveying unit 4, 21 is a disk guiding section which isfixed onto the upper plate of the chassis, 22 is a conveying rollerwhich grips, with the guiding section, a disk D which is inserted intothe interior of the chassis 2 from the disk insertion aperture. Theconveying roller 22 then conveys the disk D to the playing unit 3 byrotating it in that state, grips the disk D which has been conveyed tothe playing unit 3 with the disk guiding section 21, conveys the disk Dto the insertion aperture by rotating it in that state and expels thedisk D outside the chassis 2.

[0005] In FIG. 1, the cam plate is not shown. However it will be brieflyexplained as follows. The cam plate displaces the conveying rollerprovided on the conveying unit and the pressure arm provided on theplaying unit and fixes and releases the playing unit 3 by slidingdisplacement in the direction of disk insertion and disk expulsion.

[0006] Next the operation of the invention will be explained.

[0007] At Time of Disk Insertion

[0008] When a disk D is inserted into the interior of the chassis 2 fromthe disk insertion aperture, the disk D is tightly held by the diskguiding section 21 and the conveying roller 22. The disk D is conveyedto the playing unit by the rotations of the conveying roller 22. Thedisk D which has been conveyed to playing unit 3 is tightly held by theturntable 12 and the disk gripping body 14 due to the pressure armrotating towards the turntable side 12 and so is mounted on theturntable 12. At this time the playing unit base 11 which had been fixedby the cam plate is released. The playing unit base 11 is supported bythe flexible member 5, the information recorded in the disk D is readand in other words the disk D is placed in a playable state.

[0009] At Time of Disk Playing

[0010] When the disk is mounted on the turntable 12, is in a stationaryposition and the playing of the disk D commences, the disk D is rotatedby the rotations of the turntable 12. The information contained in thedisk D is read by the pickup 15. At this time, the vibrations of theautomobile are absorbed by the flexible member 5 which prevents thosevibrations from being transmitted to the playing unit 3.

[0011] At Time of Disk Expulsion

[0012] When the playing of the disk is finished, the disk D is held bythe turntable 12 and the disk gripping body 14. When the disk D is in astationary position and disk D expulsion commences, the pressure plate13 rotates in the direction of separation from the turntable 12. As aresult of these rotations, the disk D is lifted from the turntable 12and held by the disk guiding section 21 and the conveying roller 22. Thedisk D is conveyed to the disk insertion aperture by the rotations ofthe conveying roller 22 and expelled to the outside of the chassis 2. Atthis time, the playing unit base 11 is fixed by the cam plate.

[0013] The disk device for use in an automobile has been explained in asimple way up until this point. Hereafter the constituent elements ofthe conventional disk device for use in an automobile will be explainedin detail.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a figure showing the playing unit of a conventional diskdevice. FIG. 2 shows the playing unit as seen along the direction X ofFIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the initiation of disk insertion for a 12 cm disk.In FIG. 2, the 12 cm disk D is shown by the broken lines. FIG. 3 shows adisk stopper in a conventional disk device. FIG. 3 is a cross sectionalview along the line I-I of FIG. 2. In FIGS. 2 and 3, 141 is a playingunit for reading the information recorded on the disk D. 143 is aflexible member such as an oil damper which prevents the transmission ofautomobile vibrations to the playing unit while the disk D is beingplayed. 144 a-144 c are first to third positional determination shaftsprovided in the playing unit 141.

[0015]151 is a playing unit base which stores the motor or the likewhich displaces the pickup or the motor which rotates the turntable. 151d is a rotation shaft of the pressure arm and is provided on the playingunit base 151. 154 is a pressure arm which rotates about the rotationshaft 151 d provided in the playing unit base 151. 155 is a diskgripping body which tightly holds the disk D on the turntable byrotating the pressure arm 154 to the turntable side and is mounted onthe pressure arm 154.

[0016]161 is a disk stopper which is pushed by the disk D inserted inthe interior of the chassis and displaces in direction B (the directionof disk insertion). 162 is a lever stopper which moves together with thedisplacement of the disk stopper 161 and rotates. The lever stopper 162is provided on the upper surface of the pressure arm 154. 163 is a slidelock which rotates together with the rotations of the lever stopper 162,and which, when the disk D is not inserted in to the interior of thechassis, determines the position of the disk stopper 161 and which, whenit rotates together with the rotations of the lever stopper 162,slidingly displaces the operational lever, discussed below, in directionA (the direction of disk expulsion). The side lock 163 is provided onthe lower surface of the pressure arm 154. 165 is a support member formounting the gripping body 155 on the pressure arm 154. 166 is a firstspring connected to the lever stopper 162 and the slide lock 163. 167 isa second spring connected to the pressure arm 154 and the slide lock163.

[0017] In the disk stopper 161, 161 a is an abutting section onto whichthe disk inserted in the interior of the chassis abuts. 161 b is anengaging member which engages with the guide hole formed in the pressurearm 154. 161 c is an engaging pin which engages in the engaging holeformed in the lever stopper 162.

[0018] In the lever stopper 162, 162 a is a rotation shaft of the leverstopper 162. 162 b is a connecting section to which the first spring 166is connected. 162 c is an engaging hole with which the engaging pin 161c which is provided in the disk stopper 161 engages. 162 d is aregulating hole which supports the regulating pin provided in the slidelock 163. 162 e is a first regulating section forming the regulatinghole 162 d. 162 f is a second regulating section forming the regulatinghole 162 d.

[0019] In the slide lock 163, 163 a is a pressured section pressured bythe front arm. 163 b is a pressuring section which pressures theoperational arm discussed hereafter. 163 c is a regulating pin which issupported by the regulating hole 162 d which is formed in the leverstopper 162. 163 d is a connecting section which is connected to thefirst spring 166. 163 e is a connecting section which is connected tothe second spring 167. 163 f is a slide hole which supports the rotationshaft 162 a of the lever stopper 162.

[0020] In the pressure arm 154, 154 a is a connecting section to whichis connected the second spring 167. 154 b is a guide hole which engageswith the engaging section 161 b provided on the disk stopper 162 andwhich pierces the guide hole 154 b which guides the disk stopper 161which is pressured by the disk D inserted into the interior of thechassis. The guide hole is formed along the conveying direction of thedisk D in approximately the central section of the pressure arm 154. 154c is an engaging section insertion hole formed to engage the engagingsection 161 b provided on the disk stopper 161 with the guide hole 154b. 154 d is a through hole formed to support the regulating pin 163 cprovided in the slide lock 163 with the regulating hole 162 d formed inthe lever stopper 162.

[0021] In the support member 165, 165 a is a support section whichsupports the disk gripping body 155 while pressuring the upper centerprojection 155 a of the disk gripping body 155. 165 b is a coveringsection which covers the engaging section insertion hole 154 c formed inthe pressure arm 154.

[0022] In the conventional disk device, when the disk D is not insertedin the chassis interior, the position of the operational lever is fixed.As a result, the position of the slide lock 163 is determined. Theposition of the lever stopper 162 is determined due to the fact that theregulating pin 163 c provided on the slide lock 163 is positioned on thefirst regulating section 162 e which forms the regulating hole 162 dwhich is formed in the lever stopper 162. Hence the position of the diskstopper 161 is determined. In the conventional disk device, when thedisk D is not inserted in the interior of the chassis, the engagingsection 161 b provided in the disk stopper 161 is adapted so as not toabut with the support member 165.

[0023]FIG. 4 shows a conveying unit in a conventional disk device. FIG.4 shows the conveying unit as seen from the direction Y in FIG. 1. FIG.4 displays the situation when a 12 cm disk is being conveyed. In FIG. 4,the 12 cm disk is shown by the broken line. FIG. 5 shows the diskguiding section in a conventional disk device. FIG. 5 shows a diskguiding as seen from direction Z in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 4 and 5, 132 is achassis disposed in the interior of an automobile and 133 is a diskinsertion aperture formed in the front plate of the chassis 132.

[0024]171 is a disk guiding section fixed to the upper plate of thechassis 132. 173 is a conveying roller which conveys the disk D whichhas been inserted into the interior of the chassis 132 from the diskinsertion aperture 133 to the playing unit by holding the disk againstthe disk guiding section 171 and rotating it in that state. It thenholds the disk which has already been conveyed to the playing unitagainst the disk guiding section and rotates it in that state, conveysthe disk to the disk insertion aperture 133 and expels the disk to theoutside of the chassis 132. 174 is a conveying unit base.

[0025] In the disk guiding section 171, 171 a is a protruding sectionwhich projects from the central section towards the periphery andapproaches the conveying roller 173. The protruding section 171 a isformed vertical to the direction in which the disk is being conveyed.

[0026] In the conveying roller 173, 173 a is a shaft of the conveyingroller 173 which is inserted into a round hole formed in the conveyingunit base 74 so as to face the vertical direction to the direction inwhich the disk is conveyed. 173 b is a rubber roller into which theshaft 173 a of the conveying roller is loosely inserted and whichincreases in radius towards the end from the central section.

[0027] In this conventional disk device, when a disk D is conveyed, itis tightly held by the protruding section 171 a formed on the diskguiding section 171 and the conveying roller 173.

[0028]FIG. 6 shows the camplate and related parts in the conventionaldisk device. FIG. 6(A) shows the camplate and related parts as seen fromdirection X in FIG. 1. FIG. 6(B) shows the cam plate and related partsas seen from direction P of FIG. 6(A). FIG. 6(C) is an enlarged view ofthe section Q encircled by the broken line in FIG. 6(B). FIG. 6 showsthe disk in the early stages of being conveyed. FIG. 6 represents theright side plate of the chassis as being encircled by the wavy line b.In FIG. 6, 178 is a set of reduction gears which transmit the rotationsof the motor to the conveying roller 173 in order to rotate theconveying roller and which is provided on the chassis 132.

[0029]181 is a camplate which slidingly displaces in the direction A-Band which, when it slidingly displaces in direction B, displaces thepressure arm in the direction in which the disk is not tightly held bythe turntable and the disk gripping means. Then the cam plate displacesthe conveying roller 173 in the direction in which the disk is heldtightly by the disk guiding section and the conveying roller 173. Whenit slidingly displaces in direction A, it displaces the pressure arm inthe direction in which the disk is held tightly by the turntable and thedisk gripping body. The camplate displaces the conveying roller 173 inthe direction in which the disk is not held tightly by the disk guidingsection and the conveying roller 173. The camplate is provided betweenthe right side plate of the chassis 132 and the playing unit. 182 is anoperational lever which slidingly displaces in the direction A-B alongthe guide groove formed in the chassis 132. The camplate 181 isslidingly displaced in the direction A-B as a result of thatdisplacement. The operational lever is provided on the camplate 181. 183is a first linking member for securing the playing unit when thecamplate 181 slidingly displaces and which is provided between thechassis 132 and the camplate 181. 184 is a fourth spring which connectsthe chassis 132 and the operational lever 182.

[0030] In the camplate 181, 181 a is a slot which engages with a keyshaped hook which is formed on the right side plate of the chassis 132and which guides the camplate 181. 181 b is a Z shaped hole whichsupports the displacement shaft 174 c provided in the conveying unitbase 174 and which guides the displacement shaft 174 c together with thesliding displacement of the camplate 181. 181 c is a horizontal holewhich supports the first positional determination shaft 144 a providedin the playing unit and guides the first positional determination shaft144 a together with the sliding displacement of the camplate 181. 181 dis a horizontal groove which supports the second positionaldetermination shaft 144 b provided in the playing unit and which guidesthe second positional determination shaft 144 b together with thesliding displacement of the camplate 181. 181 e is a release hole whichreleases the support of the first positional determination shaft 144 adue to the horizontal hole. 181 f is a release groove which releases thesupport of the second positional determination shaft 144 b due to thehorizontal groove 181 d. 181 g is a rotation shaft of the first linkingmember 183 inserted into the round hole provided on the first linkingmember 183. 181 h is an inclining section which abuts with the rightside bent section 154 e provided on the pressure arm 154 (refer to FIG.2) and which slopes downwardly from direction A to direction B. 181 i isan indented section formed on the top of the camplate 181. 181 j is athrough hole into which the reduction gears are arranged.

[0031] In the operational lever 182, 182 a is a protruding section whichis disposed in the indented section which is formed in the camplate 181and which slidingly displaces the camplate 181 in the direction A-Btogether with the sliding displacement of the operational lever 182 bypushing the indenting section 181 i. 182 b is a rack which displaces theoperational lever 182 by engaging with the gears of the reduction gears178.

[0032] In the first linking member 183, 183 a is a displacement shaftwhich is supported by the Z shaped hole formed in the right side plateof the chassis 132. 183 b is a round hole into which the rotation shaft181 g of the first linking member 183 provided on the camplate 181 isinserted. 183 c is a gripping member which grips the first positionaldetermination shaft 144 a which is provided in the playing unit when thecamplate slidingly displaces in direction B.

[0033] In the right side plate of the chassis 132, 132 d is a Z shapedhole which supports the displacement shaft 183 a provided in the firstlinking member 183 and which guides the displacement shaft 183 atogether with the sliding displacement of the camplate 181. 188 is afirst abutting section with which the indented section 181 i formed inthe camplate 181 and the protruding section 182 a formed in theoperational lever 182 abut when the operational lever 182 slidinglydisplaces in direction A. 189 is a second abutting section with whichthe indented section 181 i formed in the camplate 181 and the protrudingsection 182 a formed in the operational lever 182 abut when theoperational lever 182 slidingly displaces in direction B.

[0034] In this disk device, the pressure arm rises and the disk islifted from the turntable due to the fact that the bent section 154 e onthe right side face, which is provided on the pressure arm 154 risesalong the inclined section 181 h provided on the camplate 181, riseswhen the camplate 181 slidingly displaces in direction B. On the otherhand, the pressure arm 154 lowers and the disk is mounted on theturntable due to the fact that bent section 154 on the right side lowersalong the inclination of the inclined section 181 h when the cam plate181 slidingly displaces in direction A.

[0035] In this conventional disk device, when a disk is inserted, theoperational lever 182 displaces in direction A and the rack 182 b whichis formed on the operational lever 182 engages with the gears of thereduction gears 178. Due to the motive force of the reduction gears, theoperational lever 182 is slidingly displaced in direction A. Theprotruding section 182 a formed on the operational lever 182 abuts withthe indented section 181 i formed on the camplate 181 in the firstabutting section 187 and pressures the indented section 181 i. As aresult, the camplate 181 slidingly displaces in direction A togetherwith the sliding displacement of the operational lever 182.

[0036] Furthermore in this conventional disk device, when the disk isexpelled, the reduction gears 178 rotate in the inverse direction andthe operational lever 182 slidingly displaces in direction B. Theprotruding section 182 a formed on the operational lever 182 abuts withthe indented section 181 i formed on the camshaft 181 in the secondabutting section 188 and pressures the indented section 181 i. As aresult, the camplate 181 slidingly displaces in direction B togetherwith the sliding displacement of the operational lever 182. Due to themotive force of the reduction gears 178, the operational lever 182slidingly displaces in direction B. The rack 182 b formed on theoperational lever 182 disengages from the reduction gears 178. Henceafter the rack 182 b formed on the operational lever 182 disengages fromthe reduction gears 178, the operational lever 182 is returned to itsoriginal position due to being pulled by the force of the fourth spring184 in direction B. At this time, the protruding section 182 a formed onthe operational lever 182 pressures the indented section 181 i formed onthe camplate 181 and the camplate 181 too is returned to the originalposition.

[0037]FIG. 7 shows the playing unit base in a conventional disk device.FIG. 7(A) shows the playing unit base as seen from direction X inFIG. 1. FIG. 7(B) shows the playing unit base as seen from direction Pin FIG. 7(A). FIG. 7 shows a 12 cm disk being raised from the turntable.In FIG. 7, the 12 cm disk is shown by the broken line. In FIG. 7, 151ais an inner lateral face which is a face opposite the disk insertionside of the playing unit base 151. 152 is a turntable on which a disk isdisposed, which rotates the disk and which is provided on the playingunit base 151.

[0038] Since the conventional disk device is constructed as above, whenthe disk is conveyed, the disk is tightly held by the conveying rollerand the protruding section formed on the disk guiding section. As aresult, when the disk is conveyed, a large force is acting on the diskin the direction opposite to that in which the disk is being conveyed.Hence the problem arises that insertion or expulsion of disks becomesimpossible.

[0039] The present invention is proposed to solve the above problems. Ithas the object of providing a disk device which can prevent theinconvenience of the insertion or expulsion of disks becoming impossibledue to a large force acting on the disk in the direction opposite tothat in which the disk is being conveyed when the disk is beingconveyed.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0040] The disk device of the present invention comprises a conveyingunit which is provided with a supplementary roller provided with arotation shaft and a rotation section. The rotation shaft is mounted onthe disk guiding section so as to vertically face the direction in whichthe disk is being conveyed. The outer face of the rotation section isdisposed on the end of the disk guiding section so as to be positionedon the conveying roller side by the protruding section formed on thedisk guiding section.

[0041] In this way, when a disk is conveyed, since the force acting inthe opposite direction to that in which the disk is being conveyed isreduced, it is possible to convey the disk smoothly and ensure theinsertion and expulsion of disks. The disk device of the presentinvention has a disk guiding section which is provided with a bladespring section which pressures the rotation shaft of the supplementaryroller in the axial direction.

[0042] In this way, the supplementary roller does not wobble and thegeneration of unwanted sounds can be prevented.

[0043] The disk device of the present invention has a supplementaryroller which is disposed so that it approaches the conveying roller asthe outer face of the rotation section goes from the center to the end.

[0044] In this way, when a disk is conveyed, damage to the informationrecorded on the disk surface is prevented as only the outer peripheraledge of the disk contacts with the supplementary roller.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045]FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a disk device for use in anautomobile.

[0046]FIG. 2 shows a playing unit in a conventional disk device.

[0047]FIG. 3 shows a disk stopper in a conventional disk device.

[0048]FIG. 4 shows a conveying unit in a conventional disk device.

[0049]FIG. 5 shows a disk guiding device in a conventional disk device.

[0050]FIG. 6 shows the camplate and related parts in a conventional diskdevice. (A) shows the structure as seen along direction X in FIG. 1, (B)shows the structure as seen along direction P in (A), (C) shows anenlargement of section Q encircled by a broken line in (B).

[0051]FIG. 7 shows a playing unit base in a conventional disk device.(A) shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1, (B) showsthe structure as seen from direction P in (A).

[0052]FIG. 8 is an inclined view which shows the outer view of a diskdevice according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053]FIG. 9 shows the internal structure of the chassis of a diskdevice according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054]FIG. 10 shows a playing unit of a disk device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. (A) shows the structure as seenfrom direction Z in FIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen fromdirection P in (A).

[0055]FIG. 11 shows a playing unit and a conveying unit conveying a 8 cmdisk in a disk device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1.(B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in (A).

[0056]FIG. 12 shows a playing unit and a conveying unit playing an 8 cmdisk in a disk device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1.(B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in FIG. 11 (A).

[0057]FIG. 13 shows a playing unit and a conveying unit conveying a 12cm disk in a disk device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1.(B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in FIG. 11(A).

[0058]FIG. 14 shows a playing unit and a conveying unit playing a 12 cmdisk in a disk device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1.(B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in FIG. 11(A).

[0059]FIG. 15 shows a disk stopper in a disk device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention.

[0060]FIG. 16 shows a conveying unit in a disk device according to afirst embodiment of the present invention. (A) shows the structure asseen from direction Y in FIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen fromdirection P in (A).

[0061]FIG. 17 shows a playing unit and a disk guide section and asupplementary roller according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction Z in FIG. 1.(B) shows the enlarged structure of section P encircled by a broken linein (A). (C) shows the enlarged structure of section Q from direction Rencircled by a broken line in (A).

[0062]FIG. 18 shows a playing unit base according to a first embodimentof the present invention. (A) shows the playing unit base structure asseen from direction X in FIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen fromdirection P in (A). (C) shows the structure as seen from direction Q in(A). (D) shows the structure as seen from direction R in (A).

[0063]FIG. 19 shows a conveying unit and a set of reduction gears in adisk device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.(A) shows the structure when a disk is being conveyed. (B) shows thestructure when a disk is being played.

[0064]FIG. 20 shows a camplate and related parts in the first step ofconveying a disk in a disk device according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X inFIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in (A). (C)shows the enlarged structure of section Q encircled by a broken line in(A).

[0065]FIG. 21 shows a camplate and related parts in the second step ofconveying a disk in a disk device according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0066]FIG. 22 shows a camplate and related parts when playing a disk ina disk device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0067]FIG. 23 shows a camplate and related parts in the first step ofconveying a disk in a disk device according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X inFIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in FIG. 20(A).

[0068]FIG. 24 shows a camplate and related parts in the second step ofconveying a disk in a disk device according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X inFIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in FIG. 20(A).

[0069]FIG. 25 shows a camplate and related parts when playing a disk ina disk device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.(A) shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1. (B) showsthe structure as seen from direction P m FIG. 20(A).

[0070]FIG. 26 shows a camplate in a disk device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention

[0071]FIG. 27 shows a lock plate and related parts when conveying a diskin a disk device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. (A) shows the structure as seen from direction X in FIG. 1.(B) shows the structure as seen from direction P in (A).

[0072]FIG. 28 shows a lock plate and related parts when playing a diskin a disk device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention

[0073]FIG. 29 shows a playing unit base in a disk device according to afirst embodiment of the present invention. (A) shows the structure asseen from direction X in FIG. 1. (B) shows the structure as seen fromdirection P in (A).

[0074]FIG. 30 shows a disk guide section and supplementary roller in adisk device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0075] In order to explain the invention in more detail, the preferredembodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference tothe accompanying figures.

[0076] Embodiment 1

[0077]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the outer surface of a disk deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 showsthe device in the state before the insertion of a disk or after theexpulsion of a disk. In FIG. 8, 31 is a disk device, 32 is a chassiswhich is disposed in the interior of an automobile and 33 is a diskinsertion aperture formed in the front plate of the chassis 32. In theinterior of the chassis components such as the cam plate, conveyingunit, playing unit, which will be explained later, are disposed.

[0078]FIG. 9 shows the interior of the chassis of a disk deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 showsthe interior of the chassis of a disk device seen from direction X ofFIG. 1. FIG. 9 shows the initiation of insertion of a 12 cm disk. InFIG. 9, the 12 cm disk is shown by a broken line. In FIG. 9, 41 is aplaying unit for reading the information recorded on the disk D. 42 is aconveying unit which conveys the disk which is inserted into theinterior of the chassis 32 from the disk insertion aperture, to theplaying unit 41. Then the conveying unit conveys the disk D which hasbeen conveyed to the playing unit 41 to the disk insertion aperture andexpels the disk to the outside of the chassis 32. 43 is a flexiblemember such as a oil damper which prevents the transmission ofautomobile vibrations to the playing unit while the disk is beingplayed. The flexible member is disposed between the lower plate of thechassis 32 and the playing unit 41. 44 a-44 c are first to thirdpositional determination shafts provided in the playing unit 41. 45 is acamplate which fixes the playing unit by fixing the first and seconddetermination shafts and releases the playing unit 41 by releasing thefirst and second positional determination shafts 44 a, 44 b. Thecamplate is provided between the right plate of the chassis 32 and theplaying unit 41. 46 is a lock plate which fixes the playing unit byfixing the third positional determination shaft 44 c and which releasesthe playing unit 41 by releasing the fixation of the third positionaldetermination shaft 44 c. The lock plate is disposed between the leftplate of the chassis 32 and the playing unit 41. The playing unit 41 issuspended from the chassis 32 by a plurality of springs not shown in thefigure.

[0079]FIG. 10 shows a playing unit of a disk device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10(A) shows the playing unitas seen from direction Z in FIG. 1. FIG. 10(B) shows the playing unit asseen from direction P in FIG. 10(A). FIG. 10 shows the device beforeinsertion of a disk or after expulsion of a disk. In FIG. 10, 51 is aplaying unit base which stores a motor which displaces a pickup or amotor for rotating a turntable. 51 d is a rotation shaft of a pressurearm and is disposed on the playing unit base 51. 52 is a turntable onwhich is disposed a disk and which rotates the mounted disk. Theturntable is disposed on the playing unit base 51. 53 is a first motorfor rotating the turntable 52. 54 is a pressure arm which rotates aboutthe rotation shaft 51 d disposed on the playing unit base 51. 55 is adisk gripping body which tightly holds the disk against the turntable byrotating the pressure arm towards the turntable 52. The disk grippingbody 55 is mounted on the pressure arm 54. 56 is a pickup which readsthe information recorded on the disk and which is mounted on the playingunit base 51. 57 a is a guiding groove which supports the pickup 56. 57b is a guide shaft which supports the pickup 56. 58 is a second motorwhich displaces the pickup 56. 59 is reducing mechanism which transmitsthe rotations of the second motor 58 to the guide shaft 57 b.

[0080] In this disk device, the rotations of the second motor 58 aretransmitted to the guide shaft 57 b through the reducing mechanism 59and the guide shaft 57 b rotates. Hence the pickup 56 is displaced alongthe pair of guides comprised of the guiding groove 57 a and the guideshaft 57 b.

[0081] FIGS. 11-14 show the playing unit and the conveying unit of thedisk device according to the present invention. FIG. 11(A), FIG. 12(A),FIG. 13(A) and FIG. 14(A) show the playing unit and the conveying unitas seen from direction X of FIG. 1. FIG. 11(B), FIG. 12(B), FIG. 13(B)and FIG. 14(B) show the playing unit and the conveying unit as seen fromdirection P of FIG. 11(A). FIG. 11 shows the conveying of a 8 cm disk.FIG. 12 shows the playing of a 8 cm disk. FIG. 13 shows the conveying ofa 12 cm disk. FIG. 14 shows the playing of a 12 cm disk. In FIGS. 11 and12, the 8 cm disk is shown by a broken line. In FIGS. 13 and 14, the 12cm disk is shown by a broken line. FIG. 15 shows a disk stopper of adisk device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 15 is a cross section along line II-II in FIG. 11(A). In FIGS.11-15, 61 is a disk stopper which pressures the disk D inserted into theinterior of the chassis 32 and which displaces in direction B (directionof disk insertion). 62 is a lever stopper which rotates together withthe displacement of the disk stopper 61. The lever stopper is disposedon the upper face of the pressure arm 54. 63 is a slide lock whichrotates together with the rotations of the lever stopper 62 and, when adisk D is not inserted into the interior of the chassis 32, determinesthe position of the disk stopper 62. When the slide lock 63 rotatestogether with the rotations of the lever stopper 62, it slidinglydisplaces the operational lever 82, which will be explained hereafter,in direction A (the direction of disk expulsion). The slide lock 63 isdisposed on the lower side of the pressure arm 54. 64 is a front armwhich rotates on being pushed by the 12 cm disk D which is inserted intothe interior of the chassis 32 and which displaces the slide lock 63 sothat the regulation of the lever stopper 62 due to the slide lock 63 isreleased. 65 is a support member for mounting the disk gripping body 55on the pressure arm 54. 66 is a first spring (flexible member) which isconnected to the lever stopper 62 and the slide lock 63. 67 is a secondspring which is connected to the pressure arm 54 and the slide lock 63.

[0082] In the disk stopper 61, 61 a is an abutting section which abutswith a disk D which has been inserted into the interior of the chassis.61 b is an engaging section which engages with the guide hole which isformed on the pressure arm 54. 61 c is an engaging pin which engageswith the engaging hole formed on the lever stopper 62.

[0083] In the lever stopper 62, 62 a is a rotation shaft of the leverstopper 62. 62 b is a connecting section connecting with the firstspring 66. 62 c is an engaging hole which engages with the engaging pin61 c which is provided on the disk stopper 61. 62 d is a regulating holewhich supports the regulating pin provided on the slide lock 63. 62 e isa first regulating section constituting the regulating hole 62 d. 62 fis a second regulating section constituting the regulating hole 62 d.

[0084] In the slide lock 63, 63 a is a pressed section which ispressured by the front arm 64. 63 b is a pressing section which pressesthe operational lever 82 to be explained hereafter. 63 c is a regulatingpin which is supported by the regulating hole 62 d formed on the leverstopper 62. 66 d is a connecting section to the first spring 66 isconnected. 63 e is a connecting section to which the second spring 67 isconnected. 63 f is a slide hole supporting the rotation shaft 62 a ofthe lever stopper 62.

[0085] In the front arm 64, 64 a is an abutting pin with which the 12 cmdisk D, which is inserted into the interior of the chassis 32, abuts. 64b is a pressing section which pushes the lever stopper 62. 64 c is arotation shaft of the front arm 64.

[0086] In the pressure arm 54, 54 a is a connecting section to which thesecond spring 67 is connected. 54 b is a guide hole which is pierced bythe engaging pin 61 c which is provided on the disk stopper 62, whichengages with the engaging section 61 b provided on the disk stopper 62and which guides the disk stopper 61 which is pressed by the disk whichis inserted into the interior of the chassis 32. The guide hole 54 b isformed along the direction of conveying of the disk D in roughly thecentral section of the pressing arm 54. 54 c is an engaging sectioninsertion hole which is formed in order to engage the engaging section61 b provided on the disk stopper 61 and the guide hole 54 b. 54 d is athrough hole formed in order to support the regulating pin 63 c providedon the slide lock 63 with the regulating hole 62 d formed on the leverstopper 62.

[0087] In the supporting member 65, 65 a is a supporting section whichsupports the disk gripping body 55 by pushing the upper centralprojection of the disk gripping body 55. 65 b is a covering section 55 awhich covers the engaging section insertion hole 54 c which is formed onthe pressure arm 54.

[0088] In this disk device, when a disk D is not inserted into theinterior of the chassis 32, the position of the operational lever 82 isfixed. As a result, the position of the slide lock 63 is fixed. Theposition of the lever stopper 62 and the disk stopper 61 are fixed bythe fact that regulating pin 63 c provided on the slide lock 63 ispositioned on the first regulating hole 62 e which constitutes theregulating hole 62 d formed on the lever stopper 62. In this diskdevice, when a disk is not inserted into the chassis 32, the engagingsection 61 b provided on the disk stopper 61 abuts with the supportingmember 65. Hence the engaging section 61 b provided on the disk stopper61 pushes against the supporting member 65 as a result of the force ofthe first spring 66 connected to the lever stopper 62 and the slidestopper 61. Due to this arrangement, when a disk is not inserted intothe interior of the chassis 32, the disk stopper 61 does not wobble andthe generation of unwanted noises is avoided.

[0089] In this disk device, the engaging section insertion hole 54 cformed on the pressure arm 54 is covered by the covering section 65 b ofthe supporting member 65. Due to this arrangement, it is possible toprevent the engaging section 61 b provided in the disk stopper 61 fromdetaching from the engaging section insertion hole 54 c formed in thepressure arm 54 and the disk stopper 61 from falling out.

[0090] Furthermore in this disk device, when a disk D is inserted intothe chassis 32, the disk D abuts with the abutting section 61 a of thedisk stopper 61 and the disk stopper 61 displaces in direction B onbeing pushed by the disk D. Together with the displacement of the diskstopper 61, the lever stopper 62 rotates. As a result of the rotation ofthe lever stopper 62, the slide lock 63 rotates. Hence the operationallever 82 slidingly displaces in direction A on being pushed by thepressure arm 63 b of the slide lock 63.

[0091] When a 12 cm disk D is inserted into the chassis 32, the 12 cmdisk D abuts with the abutting pin 64 a provided in the front arm 64 andthe front arm rotates being pushed by the 12 cm disk D. The slide lock63 displaces on being pushed by the pressing section 64 b of the frontarm 64. The regulating pin 63 c which is positioned on the firstregulating section 62 e detaches from the first regulating section 62 e.Hence in a state when the regulating pin 63 c is detached from the firstregulating section 62 c, when the disk stopper 61 displaces in directionB on being pushed by the 12 cm disk D, the lever stopper 62 rotatestogether with the displacement of the disk stopper 61. Further when thedisk stopper 61 displaces in direction B, the front arm 64 is returnedto the original position and the regulating pin 63 c enters the secondregulating section 62 e. When the disk stopper 61 displaces in directionB, the lever stopper 62 rotates together with the displacement of thedisk stopper 61. The slide lock 63 rotates together with the rotationsof the lever stopper 62. Hence the operational lever 82 displaces indirection A on being pushed by the pressing section 63 b of the slidelock 63.

[0092]FIG. 16 shows a conveying unit in a disk device according to afirst embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16(A) shows theconveying unit as seen from direction Y of FIG. 1. FIG. 16(B) shows theconveying unit as seen from direction P of FIG. 16(A). FIG. 16(A) showsthe conveying of a 12 cm disk. FIG. 16(B) shows the disk being played.In FIG. 16(A), the 12 cm disk is shown by a broken line. FIG. 17 shows adisk guiding section and a supplementary roller in a disk deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17(A)shows the disk guiding section as seen from direction Z of FIG. 1. FIG.17(B) shows an enlarged section P encircled by the broken line in FIG.17(A). FIG. 17(C) shows an enlarged section Q, as seen from direction R,encircled by the broken line in FIG. 17(A). In FIGS. 16 and 17, 71 is adisk guiding section fixed to the upper plate of the chassis 32. 72 is asupplementary roller disposed at the end of the disk guide section 71 sothat outer cylindrical face is positioned on the conveying roller sideby the protruding section formed on the disk guiding section 71. 73 is aconveying roller which holds the disk inserted into the interior of thechassis 32 from the disk insertion aperture 33 tightly against eitherthe disk guiding section 71 or the supplementary roller 72 and conveysthe disk D to the playing section by rotating it in that state. Then theconveying roller 73 holds the disk D conveyed to the playing sectiontightly against either the disk guide section 71 or the supplementaryroller 72 and conveys it to the disk insertion aperture 33 by rotatingit in that state and expels the disk D to the outside of the chassis 32.74 is a conveying unit base.

[0093] In the disk guiding section 71, 71 a is a protruding sectionwhich is formed from the central section towards the end so that itnears the conveying roller 73 and is vertical to the direction in whichthe disk is conveyed.

[0094]71 b is a blade spring section which pushes the rotation shaft ofthe supplementary roller 72 in the axial direction.

[0095] In the supplementary roller 72, 72 a is a rotation shaft of thesupplementary roller 73 which is mounted on the disk guiding section 71so that it is horizontally oriented and vertical with respect to thedirection of conveying the disk. 72 b is a cylindrical section (rotationsection) of the supplementary roller 72. 72 c is the outer face of thecylindrical section 72 b.

[0096] In the conveying roller 73, 73 a is a shaft of the conveyingroller 73 and is inserted into the round hole formed in the conveyingunit base 74, explained hereafter, so that it is vertically aligned tothe direction of conveying the disks. 73 b is a rubber roller into whichthe shaft of the conveying roller 73 is loosely inserted and which hasan increasing radius from the central section towards the end.

[0097] In this disk device, when a disk is conveyed, the rubber roller73 b is pressured by the disk D. Thus the rubber roller 73 b closelyadheres to the shaft 73 a and the shaft 73 a and rubber roller 73 brotate integrally due to the friction between the shaft 73 a and rubberroller 73 b. Furthermore when a force greater than that friction isadded to the disk D in the direction of conveying and in the directionopposite to conveying, only the shaft 73 a rotates. By such anarrangement, it is possible to prevent damage by the conveying roller 73to the recording face of the 12 cm disk D on the conveying roller side.

[0098] Furthermore in this disk device, a supplementary roller 72 isdisposed on the end of the disk guiding roller 71 so that thecylindrically shaped section 72 b on the outer surface 72 c of thesupplementary roller 72 is disposed on the side of the conveying rollerside 73 by the protruding section 71 a formed on the disk guidingsection 71. As a result, when a 8 cm disk is conveyed or during theinitial or final conveying of a 12 cm disk, the disk is tightly heldbetween the protruding section 71 a formed on the disk guiding section71 and the conveying roller 73. During the conveying of a 12 cm disk,the disk D is tightly held between the supplementary roller 72 mountedon the disk guiding section 71 and the conveying roller 73. By such anarrangement, when the 12 cm disk is conveyed, the disk can be conveyedsmoothly and it is possible to prevent problems with the insertion orexpulsion of disks D because the force added to the disk in thedirection of conveying and in the direction opposite to the direction ofconveying is reduced.

[0099] In this disk device, the rotation shaft 72 a of the supplementaryroller 72 is mounted on the disk guiding section 71 so as to behorizontal. As a result, the outer face 72 c of the cylindrical section72 b of the supplementary roller 72 is adapted so as to extend to theend of the disk guiding section 71 and to be proximate to the conveyingroller. Furthermore the protruding section 71 a formed on the diskguiding section 71 has a shape which approaches to the conveying roller73 to the end from the center. As a result, when a disk D is conveyed,the disk D is adapted so that only the outer edge comes into contactwith the protruding section 71 a or the supplementary roller 72 formedon the disk guiding section 71. Due to this arrangement, the recordingsurface of the disk D is prevented from being damaged by thesupplementary roller 72 and the protruding section 71 a formed on thedisk guiding section 71.

[0100] In this disk device, the rotation shaft 72 a of the supplementaryroller 72 mounted on the disk guiding section 71 is pressured in theaxial direction by the blade spring 71 b formed on the disk guidingsection 71. By this arrangement, the supplementary roller is stabilizedand the generation of unwanted sounds is prevented.

[0101]FIG. 18 shows a conveying unit base in a disk device according tothe first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18(A) shows theconveying unit base as seen from direction X of FIG. 1. FIG. 18(B) showsthe conveying unit base as seen from direction P of FIG. 18(A). FIG.18(C) shows the conveying unit base as seen from direction Q of FIG.18(A). FIG. 18(D) shows the conveying unit base as seen from direction Rof FIG. 18(A). In FIG. 18, 74a is a round hole into which the shaft 73 aof the conveying roller 73 is inserted. 74 b is a rotation shaft of theconveying unit base 74 which is inserted into the round hole 32 a (referto FIG. 16(B)) formed in the chassis 32. 74 c is a displacement shaftsupported by the Z shaped holes formed respectively on the lock plateand the cam plate to be explained below. 74 d is a double insertionprevention hook which prevents the insertion of another disk into thechassis by closing the disk insertion aperture when a disk is insertedinto the chassis.

[0102]FIG. 19 shows the reduction gears and the conveying unit in thedisk device according to the fist embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 19 shows the reduction gears and the conveying unit as seen frombelow FIG. 1. FIG. 19(A) shows a disk being conveyed. FIG. 19(B) shows adisk being played. 75 is a first gear press fitted into the shaft 73 aof the conveying roller. 76 is a third motor for rotating the conveyingroller and is provided on the chassis 32. 77 is a second gear pressfitted into the rotation shaft of the third motor 76. 78 are reductiongears which transmit the rotations of the third motor 76 to theconveying roller and which are provided on the chassis 32. 79 is a thirdspring connecting the lower plate of the chassis 32 and the conveyingunit base 74.

[0103] In this disk device, when a disk is conveyed, the disk is tightlyheld by the conveying roller and the disk guiding section or thesupplementary roller due to the force of the third spring 79. At thattime, the first gear 75, which is pressured by the chassis of theconveying roller, meshes with the reduction gears 78. The rotations ofthe third motor 76 are transmitted to the conveying roller through thesecond gear 77, the reduction gears 78 and the first gear 75 and hencethe conveying roller rotates.

[0104] In this disk device, when a disk is played, the disk is nottightly held by the conveying roller and the disk guiding section or thesupplementary roller. At that time, the first gear 75 is detached fromthe reduction gears 78. The rotations of the third motor 76 are nottransmitted to the conveying roller.

[0105] FIGS. 20-25 show the cam plate and related parts in a disk deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20(A),FIG. 23(A), FIG. 24(A) and FIG. 25(A) show the cam plate and relatedparts as seen from direction X of FIG. 1. FIG. 20(B), FIG. 21, FIG. 22,FIG. 23(B), FIG. 24(B) and FIG. 25(B) show the cam plate and relatedparts as seen from direction P of FIG. 20(A). FIG. 20(C) shows anenlargement of section Q encircled by a broken line in FIG. 20(A). FIGS.20 and 23 show a first step when a disk is conveyed. FIGS. 21 and 24show a second step when a disk is conveyed. FIGS. 22 and 25 show a diskbeing played. FIG. 20(A), FIG. 23(A), FIG. 24(A) and FIG. 25(A) show thesection encircled by the bent line a as a cross section of the hookshaped projection of the cam plate and the hook shaped projection of theoperational lever. FIG. 2(B), FIG. 21(B), FIG. 22(B) show the right sideplate of the chassis encircled by a bent line b. FIG. 23(B), FIG. 24(B),FIG. 25(B) show the right side plate of the chassis as encircled on theright side of the bent line c. FIG. 26 shows the cam plate of the diskdevice according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26shows the cam plate as seen from the direction P of FIG. 20(A). In FIGS.20-26, 81 is a cam plate which is provided between the right side plateof the chassis 32 and the playing unit. The cam plate slidinglydisplaces in the direction A-B. When it displaces in direction B, itdisplaces the pressure arm in the direction in which the turntable andthe disk gripping body do not tightly hold the disk. Furthermore itdisplaces the conveying roller 73 in the direction in which the disk istightly held by the disk guiding section and the conveying roller 73.When it displaces in direction A, it displaces the pressure arm in thedirection in which the disk is tightly held by the turntable and thedisk gripping body and displaces the conveying roller 73 in thedirection in which the disk is not held tightly by the disk guidingsection and the conveying roller 73. 82 is an operational lever which isprovided on the cam plate 81. The operational lever 82 slidinglydisplaces in the direction A-B along the guide groove 32 b (refer toFIG. 8) formed on the chassis 32 and slidingly displaces the cam plate81 in the direction A-B by that motion. 83 is a first linking member forfixing the playing unit when the cam plate slidingly displaces in thedirection B and is provided between the chassis 32 and the operationallever 82. 84 is a fourth spring connecting the chassis 32 and theoperational lever 82.

[0106] In the cam plate 81, 81 a is a slot with which the key shapedhook formed on the right side plate of the chassis engages and whichguides the cam plate 81. 81 b is a Z shaped hole which supports thedisplacement shaft 74 c provided on the conveying unit base 74 and whichguides the displacement shaft 74 c together with the slidingdisplacement of the cam plate 81. 81 c is a horizontal hole whichsupports the first positional determination shaft 44 a provided on theplaying unit and which guides the first positional shaft 44 a togetherwith the sliding displacement of the cam plate 81. 81 d is a horizontalgroove which supports the second positional shaft 44 b provided on theplaying unit and which guides the second positional shaft 44 b togetherwith the sliding displacement of the cam plate 81. 81 e is a releasehole which releases the support of the first positional determinationshaft 44 a due to the horizontal hole 81 c. 81 f is a release groovewhich releases the support of the second positional determination shaft44 b due to the horizontal groove 81 d. 81 g is a rotation shaft of thefirst linking member 83 inserted into the round hole formed on the firstlinking member 83. 81 h is an inclining section which abuts with theright side bent section 54 e provided on the right side of the pressurearm 54 (refer to FIGS. 11-14) and which is formed to decline fromdirection A to B. 81 i is an indented section which is formed on theupper section of the cam plate 81. 81 j is a through hole which ispierced by the reduction gears 78. 81 k is a first hooked projection(first engaging section) connecting the hooked projection formed on theoperational lever 82.

[0107] In the operational lever 82, 82 a is a protruding section whichis provided in the indented section 81 i formed on the cam plate 81. Theprotruding section 82 a slidingly displaces the cam plate 81 indirection A together with the sliding displacement of the operationallever 82 by pushing the indented section 81 i. 82 b is a rack whichengages with the reduction gears (gear) 78 and which slidingly displacethe operational lever 82. 82 c is a second hooked projection (secondengaging section) which is connected with the hooked projection 81 kformed on the cam plate 81 and which slidingly displaces the cam plate81 in direction B together with the sliding displacement of theoperational lever 82.

[0108] In the first linking member 83, 83 a is a displacement shaftsupported by the Z shaped hole formed on the right side plate of thechassis 32. 83 b is a round hole into which is inserted rotation shaft81 g of the first linking member 83 formed on the cam plate 81. 83 c isa gripping section which grips the first positional determination shaft44 a provided on the playing unit when the cam plate 81 slidinglydisplaces in direction B.

[0109] In the right side plate of the chassis 32, 32 c is a key shapedhook which engages with the slot 81 a formed on the cam plate 81. 32 dis a Z shaped hole which supports the displacement shaft 83 a providedon the first linking member 83 and which guides the displacement shaft83 a together with the sliding displacement of the cam plate 81. 32 e isa control hook which controls the sliding displacement of the cam plate81 in direction B. 32 f is an aperture (refer to FIG. 8) formed in aposition to connect and detach the hooked projection 81 k formed on thecam plate 81 and the hooked projection 82 c formed on the operationallever 82.

[0110] In this disk device, when the cam plate 81 slidingly displacesalong the direction A-B, the displacement shaft 83 a provided on thefirst linking member 82 displaces along the Z shaped hole 32 c formed inthe right side plate of the chassis 32. The first linking member 82rotates about the rotation shaft 81 g of the first linking member 82formed on the cam plate 81. When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces inthe direction B, the first positional determination shaft is held by thegripping section 83 c of the first linking member 83. The firstpositional determination shaft 44 a is fixed in the horizontal hole 81 cand the second positional determination shaft 44 b is fixed in thehorizontal groove 81 d. On the other hand, when the cam plate 81slidingly displaces in the direction A, the support of the firstpositional determination shaft 44 a due to the horizontal hole 81 c andthe support of the second positional determination shaft 44 b due to thehorizontal groove 81 d is released.

[0111] In this disk device, when the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces inthe direction A-B, the displacement shaft 74 c provided on the conveyingunit base 74 displaces along the Z shaped hole 81 b formed on the camplate 81 and the conveying unit base 74 rotates about the rotation shaft74 b. When the cam plate 81 slidingly rotates in direction B, theconveying roller 74 displaces in the direction in which the disk istightly held by the conveying roller 74 and the disk guiding section.When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction A, the conveyingroller 74 displaces in the direction in which the disk is not tightlyheld by the conveying roller 74 and the disk guiding section.

[0112] In this disk device, when the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces indirection B, the pressure arm 54 rises and takes the disk from theturntable due to fact that the right side bent section 54 e, provided onthe pressure arm 54 along the inclined section 81 h provided on the camplate 81, rises. When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in directionA, the pressure arm 54 declines and places a disk on the turntable dueto the right side bent section 54 e being depressed along theinclination of the inclined section 81 h due to the force of the fifthspring 60 (refer to FIG. 10(A)).

[0113] In this disk device, when a disk is inserted, the operationallever 82 slidingly displaces in direction A and the rack 82 b formed onthe operational lever 82 meshes with the reduction gears 78. Due to themotive force of the reduction gears 78, the operational lever 82 furtherslidingly displaces in direction A and the protruding section 82 aformed on the operational lever 82 abuts with the indented section 81 iformed on the cam plate 81 and then pressures the indented section 81 i.As a result, the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction Atogether with the displacement of the operational lever 82.

[0114] In this disk device, when the protruding section 82 a formed onthe operational lever 82 abuts with the indented section 81 i formed onthe cam plate 81, the first hooked shaped projection 81 k formed on thecam plate 81 and the second hooked shaped projection 82 c formed on theoperational lever 82 are connected.

[0115] In this disk device, when a disk is expelled, the reduction gears78 rotate in the inverse direction and the operational lever 82slidingly displaces in the direction B. The second hooked shapedprojection 82 c formed on the operational lever 82 pressures the firsthooked shaped projection 81 k formed on the cam plate 81. As a result,the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction B together with thesliding displacement of the operational lever 82. In addition theoperational lever 82 further slidingly displaces in direction B due tothe motive force of the reduction gears 78. Thus the cam plate 81 whichslidingly displaces together with the sliding displacement of theoperational lever 82 comes in contact with the control hook 32 e formedon the right side plate of the chassis 32 and returns to its originalposition. Then only the operational lever 82 further displaces indirection B due to the motive force of the reduction gears 78 and thefirst hooked projection 81 k and the second hooked projection 82 cseparate. After the first hooked projection 81 k and the second hookedprojection 82 c separate, the operational lever 82 is drawn in directionB by the force of the fourth spring 84, returns to its original positionand pressures the slide lock. As a result of this arrangement, when thecam plate 81 and the operational lever 82 are returned to their originalposition, any impediment to the disk being expelled from the chassis 32is prevented.

[0116] In this disk device, the connecting and detaching positions ofthe first hooked projection 81 k formed on the cam plate 81 and thesecond hooked projection 82 c formed on the operational lever 82 are thesame. The first hooked projection 81 k and the second hooked projection82 c come into contact and detach due to the bending of the first hookedprojection 81 k.

[0117] In this disk device, an aperture 32 f is formed on the right sideplate of the chassis 32 in the connecting and detaching position of thefirst hooked projection 81 k formed on the cam plate 81 and the secondhooked projection 82 c formed on the operational lever 82. By thisarrangement, it is easy to place the first hooked projection 81 k andthe second hooked projection 82 c in connection and in detachment bybending the first hooked projection 81 k.

[0118]FIGS. 27 and 28 show the lock plate and related parts in a diskdevice according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.27(A) shows the lock plate and related parts as seen from direction X inFIG. 1. FIG. 27(B) and FIG. 28 snow the lock plate and related parts asseen from direction P in FIG. 27(A). FIG. 27 shows the disk beingconveyed and FIG. 28 shows the disk being played. FIG. 27(B) and FIG. 28snow a section encircled with a bent line from the left side plate ofthe chassis 32. In FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, 85 is a lock plate whichslidingly displaces in direction A-B due to the sliding displacement ofthe cam plate 81 in the direction A-B and is provided between the leftside plate of the chassis 32 and the play unit. 86 is a second linkingmember for fixing the play unit when the lock plate 85 slidinglydisplaces in direction B and is provided between the chassis 32 and thelock plate 85.

[0119] In the lock plate 85, 85 a is a slot with which the key shapedhook, which is formed on the right side plate of the chassis 32, engagesand which guides the lock plate 85. 85 b is a Z shaped hole whichsupports the displacement shaft 74 c provided on the conveying unit base74 and which guides the displacement shaft 74 c together with thesliding displacement of the lock plate 85. 85 c is a horizontal holewhich supports the third positional determination shaft 44 c provided onthe playing unit and which guides the third positional determinationshaft 44 c together with the sliding displacement of the lock plate 85.85 d is a release hole which releases the support of the thirdpositional determination shaft 44 c due to the horizontal hole 85 c. 85e is an L shaped hole which supports the displacement shaft provided onthe second linking member 86 and which guides the displacement shafttogether with the sliding displacement of the lock plate 85.

[0120] In the second linking member 86, 86 a is a rotation shaft whichis inserted into the round hole formed on the left side plate of thechassis 32. 86 b is a displacement shaft supported by the L shaped hole85 e formed on the lock plate 85. 86 c is a gripping section which gripsthe third positional determination shaft 44 c provided on the playingunit when the lock plate 85 slidingly displaces in direction B.

[0121] In the left side plate of the chassis 32, 32 g is a round holeinto which is inserted the rotation shaft 86 a provided on the secondlinking member 86.

[0122] In this disk device, when the conveying unit base 74 rotatesabout the rotation shaft 74 b due to the cam plate 81 slidinglydisplacing in the direction A-B, the displacement shaft 74 c provided onthe conveying unit base 74 displaces along the Z shaped hole 85 bprovided in the lock plate 85 and the lock plate 85 slidingly displacesin the direction A-B.

[0123] In this disk device, when the lock plate 85 slidingly displacesin the direction A-B due to the cam plate 81 slidingly displacing in thedirection A-B, the displacement shaft 86 b provided on the secondlinking member 86 displaces along the L shaped hole formed in the lockplate 85 and the second linking member 86 rotates about the rotationshaft 86. Furthermore when the lock plate 85 slidingly displaces in thedirection B due to the cam plate 81 slidingly displacing in thedirection B, the third positional determination shaft 44 c is lightlyheld by the gripping section 86 c of the second linking member 86 andthe third positional determination shaft 44 c is fixed into thehorizontal hole 85 c. On the other hand, when the lock plate 85slidingly displaces in the direction A due to the cam plate 81 slidinglydisplacing in the direction A, the support of the third positionaldetermination shaft 44 c due to the horizontal hole 85 c is released.

[0124]FIG. 29 shows a playing unit base in a disk device according to afirst embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29(A) shows the playingunit base as seen from direction X in FIG. 1. FIG. 29(B) shows theplaying unit base as seen from direction P in FIG. 29(A). FIG. 29 showsa 12 cm disk being raised from the turntable. In FIG. 29, the 12 cm diskD is shown by the broken line. In FIG. 29, 51a is an inner lateral facewhich is the face on the opposite side to the side of disk insertion ofthe playing unit base 51. 51 b is a notch formed on the inner lateralface 51 a of the playing unit base 51 so that the 12 cm disk D and theplaying unit base 51 are in contact on the outer edge of the 12 cm disk.The notch has a trapezoidal shape when seen from above the playing unitbase 51. 51 c is the ridge of the notch 51 b which is in contact withthe 12 cm disk D and which corresponds with the sloped edge of thetrapezoidal shaped notch 51 b.

[0125] In this disk device, on the outer edge of the 12 cm disk D, anotch 51 b is formed by machining the inner lateral face 51 a of theplaying unit base 51 so that the playing unit base 51 and the 12 cm diskD are in contact. By this arrangement, it is possible to prevent damageto the recording surface of the 12 cm disk D due to the fact that onlythe outer edge of the 12 cm disk D comes into contact with the playingunit base 51 when the 12 cm disk D is raised from the turntable.

[0126] In this disk device, the notch 51 b is formed which has atrapezoidal shape when viewed from above the playing unit base 51. Thesloping side of the trapezoidal shaped notch 51 b adapted as the ridge51 c of the notch 51 b which is in contact with the 12 cm disk D. As aresult of this arrangement, the line of contact of the 12 cm disk D whencontracting the playing unit base 51, and the ridge of the notch 51 bare nearly vertical and hence there are few points of contact of the 12cm disk D and the playing unit base 51.

[0127] Next the operation of the invention will be explained.

[0128] When the Disk is Inserted.

[0129] When a disk D is inserted from the disk insertion aperture 33into the interior of the chassis 32, the insertion of the disk D isdetected by a sensor, the third motor 76 is activated, the rotations ofthe third motor 76 are transmitted to the conveying roller 73 throughthe second gear 77, the reduction gears 78 and the first gear 75. As aresult the conveying roller 73 rotates (refer to FIG. 19(A)).

[0130] When an 8 cm disk D is inserted from the disk insertion aperture33 into the interior of the chassis 32, the 8 m disk D is tightly heldby the conveying roller 73 and the protruding section 71 a formed on thedisk guiding section 71. The disk is then conveyed to the playing unit41 by the rotations of the conveying roller 73. During the step ofconveying, first, the 8 cm disk D abuts with the abutting section 61 aof the disk stopper 61. On being pushed by the 8 cm disk, the diskstopper 61 displaces in direction B. The lever stopper 62 rotatestogether with the displacement of the disk stopper 61 and in turn theslide lock 63 rotates together with the rotations of the lever stopper62. The operational lever 82 slidingly displaces in direction A on beingpushed by the pressure arm 63 b of the slide lock 63 (refer to FIGS. 11and 12).

[0131] When a 12 cm disk D is inserted from the disk insertion aperture33 into the interior of the chassis 32, the 12 cm disk D is tightly heldduring initial and final conveying by the conveying roller 73 and theprotruding section 7 la formed on the disk guiding section 71. Duringconveying, the disk is held by the conveying roller 73 and thesupplementary roller 72 mounted on the disk guiding section 71 and isconveyed to the playing unit 41 as a result of the rotations of theconveying roller 73 (refer to FIG. 16). When the 12 cm disk D isconveyed to the playing unit 41, the outer peripheral edge of the 12 cmdisk D comes into contact with the ridge 51 c of the notch 51 b formedon the unit base 51 (refer to FIG. 29). In the step of conveying,firstly the 12 cm disk D abuts with the abutting pin 64 a provided onthe front arm 64. The front arm 64 rotates on being pushed by the 12 cmdisk D. The slide lock 63 displaces when pushed by the pressure section64 of the front arm 64. The regulating pin 63 c which is placed in thefirst regulating section 62 e detaches from the first regulating section62 e. With the regulating pin 63 c in a detached state from the firstregulating section 62 e, the 12 cm disk D abuts with the abuttingsection 61 a of the disk stopper 61. The disk stopper 61 displaces indirection B when pushed by the 12 cm disk D. At this time, the leverstopper 62 rotates together with the displacement of the disk stopper61. When the disk stopper 61 has displaced to a degree in direction B,the front arm 64 returns to the original position and the regulating pin63 c enters the second regulating section 62 f. When the disk stopper 61displaces further in direction B, the lever stopper 62 rotates togetherwith the rotations of the disk stopper 61 and the slide lock 63 rotatesin response to the rotations of the lever stopper 62. Hence theoperational lever 82 slidingly displaces in direction A on being pushedby the pressure arm 63 b of the slide lock 63 (refer to FIGS. 13 and14).

[0132] When the operational lever slidingly displaces in direction A,the rack 82 b formed on the operational lever 82 meshes with thereduction gears 78. The operational lever 82 is pushed further indirection A by the motive force of the reduction gears 78 and theprotruding section 82 a formed on the operational lever 82 abuts withthe indented section 81 i formed on the cam plate 81. At this time, thefirst hooked projection 81 k formed on the cam plate 81 and the secondhooked projection 82 c formed on the operational lever 82 connect. Whenthe operational lever 82 slidingly displaces further in direction A, theprotruding section 82 a formed on the operational lever 82 pushes theindented section 81 i formed on the cam plate 81 and the cam plate 81slidingly displaces in direction A together with the displacement of theoperational lever 82 (refer to FIGS. 20-24).

[0133] When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces to direction A, thedisplacement shaft 83 a provided on the first linking member 82displaces along the Z shaped hole formed in the right side plate of thechassis 32 and the first linking member 82 rotates about the rotationshaft 81 g of the first linking member 82 provided on the cam plate 81.As a result the support of the first positional determination shaft 44 adue to the horizontal hole 81 c and the support of the second positionaldetermination shaft 44 b due to the horizontal groove 51 d are released(refer to FIGS. 20-22).

[0134] When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction A, thedisplacement shaft 74 c provided on the conveying unit base 74 displacesalong the Z shaped hole 81 b formed in the cam plate 81 and theconveying unit base 74 rotates about the rotation shaft 74 b. Theconveying roller 74 displaces in the direction in which the disk D isnot tightly held by the convening roller 74 and the disk guiding section71. At this time, the first gear 75 detaches from the reduction gears 78and the rotations of the third motor 76 are no longer transmitted to theconveying roller 73 (Refer to FIG. 19(B) and FIGS. 20-22). At this timethe displacement shaft 74 c which is provided on the conveying unit base74 displaces along the Z shaped hole 85 b provided in the lock plate 85and the lock plate 85 slidingly displaces in direction A. Thedisplacement shaft 86 b which is provided on the second linking member86 displaces along the L shaped hole 85 e provided in the lock plate 85and the second linking member 86 rotates about the rotation shaft 86 a.Thus the support of the third positional determination section 44 c dueto the horizontal hole 85 c is released (Refer to FIGS. 27 and 28).

[0135] When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction A, due tothe force of the fifth spring 60 the pressure arm 54 depresses as aresult of the right side bent section 54 e provided on the pressure arm54 depressing along the slope of the inclination section 81 h providedin the cam plate 81 (Refer to FIGS. 11-14), and a disk D is tightly heldby the disk gripping body 55 and the turntable 52 and is placed on theturntable 52. At this time, the disk conveying completion switch ispushed by the pressure arm 54 and the third motor 76 is shut down.

[0136] When a Disk is played.

[0137] When the playing of the disk D is initiated with the disk placedin a set position on the turntable 52, the first motor 53 is activated,the turntable 52 is rotated and the disk D is rotated. Furthermore whenthe second motor 58 is activated, the rotations of the second motor 58are transmitted to the guide shaft 57 b through the braking mechanism 59and the guide shaft 57 b is rotated. The pickup 56 is transferred alongthe guide which is the combination of the guide groove 57 a and theguide shaft 57 b and the information recorded on the disk D is read.

[0138] When the Disk is Expelled

[0139] When the playing of the disk is completed and disk expulsion iscommenced with the disk D tightly held in a set position by theturntable 52 and the disk gripping body 55, and the reduction gears 78rotating in the inverse direction. The operational lever 82 slidinglydisplaces in direction B and the second hooked projection 82 c formed onthe operational lever 82 pushes the first hooked projection 81 k formedon the cam plate 81 and the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces indirection B together with the sliding displacement of the operationallever 82. The operational lever 82 further displaces in direction B dueto the motive force of the reduction gears 78. The cam plate whichslidingly displaces together with the sliding displacement of theoperational lever 82 comes into contact with the control hook 32 eformed on the right side plate of the chassis 32 and returns to theoriginal position (Refer to FIG. 21, FIG. 22, FIG. 24 and FIG. 25).

[0140] When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction B, thedisplacement shaft 83 a provided on the first linking member 82displaces along the Z shaped hole 32 c formed in the right side plate ofthe chassis 32 and the first linking member 82 rotates about therotation shaft 81 g of the first linking member 82 provided on the camplate 81. The first positional determination shaft 44 a is held by thegripping section 83 c of the first linking member 83 and is fixed in thehorizontal hole 81 c. The second positional determination shaft 44 b isfixed in the horizontal groove 81 d (refer to FIGS. 21 and 22).

[0141] When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction B, thedisplacement shaft 74 c provided on the conveying unit base 74 displacesalong the Z shaped hole 81 b formed in the cam plate 81 and theconveying unit base 74 rotates about the rotation shaft 74 b. Theconveying roller 74 displaces in the direction in which the disk D istightly held by the conveying roller 74 and the disk guiding section 71.At this time, the first gear 75 and the reduction gears 78 mesh and therotations of the third motor 76 are transmitted to the conveying roller73 through the second gear 77, the reduction gears 78 and the first gear75. Hence the conveying roller 73 rotates (refer to FIGS. 19)(A), 21 and22). At this time the displacement shaft 74 c which is provided on theconveying unit base 74 displaces along the Z shaped hole 85 b providedin the lock plate 85 and the lock plate 85 displaces in direction B. Atthis time, the displacement shaft 86 b which is provided on the secondlinking member 86 displaces along the L shaped hole 85 e provided in thelock plate 85 and the second linking member 86 rotates about therotation shaft 86 a. The third positional determination shaft 44 c istightly held by the gripping section 86 c of the second linking member86 and the third positional determination shaft 44 c is fixed in thehorizontal hole 85 c (refer to FIGS. 27 and 28).

[0142] When the cam plate 81 slidingly displaces in direction B, thepressure arm 54 rises and lifts the disk D from the turntable 52 as theright hand side bent section 54 e provided on the pressure arm 54 risesalong the incline of the inclined section 81 h provided on the cam plate81 (refer to FIGS. 11-14).

[0143] When the cam plate 81 contacts the control hook 32 e formed onthe right side plate of the chassis 32, only the operational lever 82displaces in direction B due to the motive force of the reduction gears78. As a result, the first hooked shaped projection 81 k formed on thecam plate 81 and the second hooked shaped projection 82 c formed on theoperational lever 82 separate. Then the operational lever 82 is drawn indirection B by the force of the fourth spring 84 and returns to theinitial position (refer to FIGS. 20 and 23).

[0144] When an 8 cm disk D is expelled, the operational lever 82 returnsto its initial position and the slide lock 62 rotates in the inversedirection to that when a disk is inserted and returns to the initialposition. Then the lever stopper 62 rotates inversely together with therotations of the slide lock 62, the disk stopper 61 displaces indirection A together with the rotations of the lever stopper 62 andreturns to its original position. When the disk stopper 61 displaces indirection A, the 8 cm disk D is tightly held between the protrudingsection 71 a formed on the disk guiding part 71 and the conveying roller73. The disk is conveyed to the disk insertion aperture 33 by therotations of the conveying roller 73 and is expelled to the outside ofthe chassis 32. Furthermore when the disk stopper 61 displaces indirection A and returns to the original position, the engaging section61 b provided on the disk stopper 61 abuts with the support member 65.The engaging section 61 b pressures the support member 65 due to theforce of the first spring 66 connected to the lever stopper 62 and theslide lock 63 (refer to FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0145] When a 12 cm disk D is expelled and the operational lever 82returns to its original position, the slide lock 62 rotates in theinverse direction to when a disk is inserted and returns to its originalposition. Then the lever stopper 62 rotates inversely together with therotations of the slide lock 62 and the disk stopper 61 displaces indirection A together with the rotations of the lever stopper 62. Whenthe disk stopper 61 displaces in direction A, at the commencement andcompletion of conveying, the 12 cm disk D is tightly held between theprotruding section 71 a formed on the disk guiding section 71 and theconveying roller 73. While conveying is in progress, it is held tightlybetween the supplementary roller 72 mounted on the disk guiding section71 and the conveying roller 73. The disk is conveyed to the diskinsertion aperture 33 by the rotations of the conveying roller 73 and isexpelled outside the chassis 32 (refer to FIG. 16). When the diskstopper 61 displaces in direction A, firstly the 12 cm disk D abuts withthe abutting pin 64 a provided on the front arm 64, is pushed by the 12cm disk D and the front arm 64 rotates. The slide lock 63 displaces bybeing pushed by the pressing section 64 b of the front arm 64 and theregulating pin 63 c placed on the second regulating section 62 fdetaches from the second regulating section 62 f. While the regulatingpin 63 c is detached from the second regulating section 62 f, the leverstopper 62 rotates in the inverts direction to when a disk is inserteddue to the force of the first spring 66 which is connected to the leverstopper 62 and the slide lock 63. Then the disk stopper 61 displaces indirection A and returns to its original position together with therotations of the lever stopper 62. Further, when the disk stopper 61returns to the original position, the front arm returns to its originalposition and the regulating pin 63 c enters the first regulating section62 e. Further, when the disk stopper 61 returns to its originalposition, the engaging section 61 b provided on the disk stopper 61abuts with the support member 65 and the engaging section 61 b pushesagainst the support member 65 due to the force of the first spring 66which is connected to the lever stopper 62 and the slide lock 63.

[0146] As explained above, according to embodiment 1, when a disk is notinserted, since the engaging section 61 b provided on the disk stopper61 is adapted so as to abut with and push against the support member 65,the disk stopper 61 does not wobble and unwanted noises can be preventedwhen a disk is not inserted into the interior of the chassis 32.

[0147] Furthermore according to embodiment 1, since the supplementaryroller 72 is placed on the end of the disk guiding section 71 so thatthe outer face 72 c of the cylindrical section 72 b of the supplementaryroller 72 is placed on the conveying roller 73 side by the protrudingsection 71 a formed on the disk guiding section 71, during conveying ofa 12 cm disk, the disk D is tightly held by the supplementary roller 72mounted on the disk guiding section 71 and the conveying roller 73. As aresult, while the 12 cm disk is being conveyed, since the force actingon the 12 cm disk in the direction opposite to that in which it is beingconveyed is reduced, it is possible to convey the disk smoothly andprevent obstacles to the insertion or expulsion of the 12 cm disk.

[0148] Furthermore according to embodiment 1, since the rotation shaft72 a of the supplementary roller 72 is adapted so that it is pushed inthe axial direction by the blade spring section 71 b formed on the diskguiding section 71, the supplementary roller 72 is does not wobble andunwanted noises can be prevented.

[0149] According to embodiment 1, since the rotation shaft 72 a of thesupplementary roller 72 faces the horizontal direction, the outer face72 c of the cylindrical section 72 b of the supplementary roller 72faces the end of the disk guiding section 71 and moves into proximitywith the conveying roller 73. As a result, while the 12 cm disk is beingconveyed, only the outer edge of the 12 cm disk comes into contact withthe supplementary roller 72 and damage to the recording face of the 12cm disk by the supplementary roller 72 can be prevented.

[0150] Furthermore according to embodiment 1, a first hooked projectionis formed on the top of the cam plate 81 and a second hooked projection82 c is formed on the operational lever 82 which connects with the firsthooked projection 81 k when the operational lever 82 slidingly displacesin the direction of disk expulsion and the protruding section 82 aformed on the operational lever 82 abuts with the indented section 81 iformed on the upper section of the cam plate 81 and which detaches froma position of attachment with the first hooked projection 81 k when theoperational lever 82 slidingly displaces in a direction of diskinsertion. Hence it is possible for the operational lever 81 and the camplate 82 to return to their original position and to prevent anyimpediment to the disk being expelled to the outside of the chassis 32.

[0151] Thus according to embodiment 1, as an aperture 32 f is formed inthe right side plate of the chassis 32, it is easy to connect and detachthe first hooked projection 81 k and the second hooked projection 82 cby bending the first hooked projection 81 k from positions of bothconnection and detachment of the first hooked projection 81 k formed onthe cam plate 81 and the second hooked projection 82 c formed on theoperational lever 82.

[0152] Furthermore according to embodiment 1, when the 12 cm disk israised from the turntable 52, the inner lateral face 51 a of the playingunit base is machined and a notch 51 b is formed so that the 12 cm diskand the playing unit base 51 come into contact on the outer edge of the12 cm disk. Thus when the disk is raised from the turntable 52 only theouter edge of the 12 cm disk contacts the playing unit base 51 and it ispossible to prevent damage to the recorded surface of the 12 cm disk.

[0153] Furthermore according to embodiment 1, since a notch 51 b isformed in a trapezoidal shape when the playing unit base is viewed fromthe upper side, it is possible to reduce the number of contact pointsbetween the 12 cm disk and the playing unit base 51 as the contact lineof the 12 cm disk and the ridge 51 c of the notch 51 b are almostvertical when the 12 cm disk is contacting with the playing unit base.Thus there are few points of contact between the 12 cm disk and theplaying unit base.

[0154] Embodiment 2

[0155] Embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 only in the constructionof the supplementary roller and the mounting of the supplementary rolleron the disk guiding section.

[0156]FIG. 30 shows the supplementary roller and the disk guidingsection in a disk device according to a third aspect of the presentinvention. FIG. 30 shows the construction according to FIG. 17(C) in thefirst aspect of the embodiment. In FIG. 30, 91 is a supplementary rollerplaced on the end of the disk guiding section 71 so that the outer faceof the cylindrical shaped section is placed on the conveying roller sideby the protruding section formed on the disk guiding section 71. 91 a isa rotation shaft of the supplementary roller 91 which is mounted on thedisk guiding section 71 so that it faces the end of the disk guidingsection 71 and moves into proximity with the conveying roller. In otherwords, in FIG. 30, the rotation shaft 91 a of the supplementary roller91 is mounted on the disk guiding section 71 so that x<y. 91 b is acylindrical section (rotation section) of the supplementary roller 91.91 c is an outer face of the cylindrical section 91 b.

[0157] In this disk device, the rotation shaft 91 a of the supplementaryroller 91 is mounted on the disk guiding section 71 so as to face theend of the disk guiding section 71 and move into proximity with theconveying roller. As a result, the outer face 91 c of the cylindricalsection 91 b of the supplementary roller 91 is adapted to face the endof the disk guiding section 71 and move into proximity with theconveying roller. The protruding section formed on the disk guidingsection 71 is formed to face the end form the center and move towardsthe conveying roller. As a result, when the disk D is being conveyed,the disk D is adapted so that only the outer edge of the disk D contactswith the supplementary roller 91 or the protruding section formed on thedisk guiding section 71. As a result of this arrangement, the recordingsurface of the disk D is prevented from being damaged by thesupplementary roller 91 or the protruding section formed on the diskguiding section.

[0158] As explained above, according to the second embodiment, the outerface of the cylindrical shaped section 91 b of the supplementary roller91 is adapted to be placed on the conveying roller 73 side by theprotruding section 7 la formed on the disk guiding section 71. Henceduring conveying of the 12 cm disk, the disk D is tightly held by theconveying roller 73 and the supplementary roller 79 mounted on the diskguiding section 71. As a result, when the 12 cm disk is being conveyed,since the force acting on the 12 cm disk in the direction opposite tothat in which the disk is being conveyed is reduced, it is possible toconvey the 12 cm disk smoothly and to prevent any impediment to theinsertion or expulsion of the 12 cm disk.

[0159] Furthermore according to the second embodiment, the rotationshaft of the supplementary roller 91 is adapted to face the end of thedisk guiding section 71 and move towards the conveying roller. Hence theouter face 91 c of the cylindrically shaped section 91 b of thesupplementary roller 91 faces the end of the disk guiding section 71 andmoves toward the conveying roller 73. As a result, when the 12 cm diskis being conveyed, since only the outer edge of the 12 cm disk comesinto contact with the supplementary roller 91, the recording surface ofthe 12 cm disk can be stopped by the supplementary roller 91.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0160] As shown above, the disk device of the present invention isadapted for use as a disk device in an automobile and is capable ofinserting two disks of different sizes.

1. A disk device comprising a chassis and a conveying unit, said conveying unit being mounted in the interior of the chassis and being comprised of a conveying roller and a disk guiding section which comprises a protruding section which is formed so as to move towards the conveying roller as said disk guiding section moves to the end from the center in an approximately vertical position to the direction in which a disk is conveyed, said conveying unit further characterized in that said conveying roller displaces in a direction in which said disk is tightly held by said disk guiding section and said conveying roller and said disk is conveyed in that state by the rotations said conveying roller, wherein said conveying unit further comprises a supplementary roller comprising a rotation shaft and a rotation section, said rotation shaft being mounted on said disk guiding section so as to face the direction in which the disk is being conveyed in an approximately vertical direction and an outer face of said rotation section being disposed on an end of said disk guiding section so as to be placed on said conveying roller side by said protruding section.
 2. A disk device according to claim 1 wherein said disk guiding section comprises a blade spring section which pressures the rotation shaft of the supplementary roller in the axial direction.
 3. A disk device according to claim 1 wherein said supplementary roller is disposed so as to displace toward the conveying roller as the outer face of the rotation section moves towards the end from the center. 